Russia Urges Its Citizens to Leave Syria Amid Insurgent Advance
Russia has called on its citizens to immediately leave Syria as insurgent forces make rapid territorial gains across the country, marking a dramatic shift in the decade-long conflict.
The Russian Embassy in Damascus issued an urgent notice Friday advising Russian nationals to depart Syria using available commercial flights, while maintaining that embassy and consular operations would continue normally.
The advisory comes as opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the strategic city of Hama and advanced southward toward Homs, Syria's third-largest city. The insurgents have already seized key towns along the highway leading to Damascus, the capital.
Moscow's call for evacuation represents an unusual display of concern from one of President Bashar al-Assad's strongest allies. Russia has provided substantial military support to the Syrian government throughout the civil war.
The Syrian government appears to be losing control of major cities, with forces loyal to Damascus retreating across multiple fronts. In the east, U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab forces have taken control of Deir ez-Zor after government troops withdrew. Meanwhile, local rebel fighters have seized security checkpoints in the southern provinces of Daraa and Suwayda.
HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani reaffirmed in a CNN interview that the group's primary objective remains overthrowing Assad's government. The rapid insurgent advance has prompted increased diplomatic activity, with foreign ministers from Turkey, Iran, and Russia scheduled to meet in Doha to discuss the evolving situation.
The battle for Homs could prove decisive in the opposition's push toward Damascus. Iran has indicated it may increase military support to Assad's forces, while Lebanese Hezbollah has reportedly dispatched forces to prevent insurgents from capturing the strategically important city.
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